Near East / Holy Land, Byzantine Empire, Leo I, ca. 457 to 474 CE. Constantinople Mint. Gold solidus. Obverse: D N LEO PE - RPET AVG, diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo I facing slightly to right, holding spear in his right hand and with a shield decorated with a horseman attacking a fallen foe over his left shoulder. Reverse: VICTORI-A AVGGG B / CONOB, Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; to right, star. Eastern Roman emperor from AD 457 to 474. Leo was a Thracian who, beginning his career in the army, became a protege of General Aspar. In proclaiming Leo Eastern emperor at Constantinople (Feb. 7, 457), Aspar expected to use him as a puppet ruler. Leo was the last of a series of emperors placed on the throne by Aspar. Leo became very unpopular in his last days as Emperor for abolishing any non-religious celebration or event on Sundays. Depeyrot 93/1. RIC 605. Size: 0.8" W (2 cm); 4.5 grams

Provenance: private Debbie Lipscomb collection, Maine, USA, acquired from from Schweizerische Kreditanstalt, Zurich, Switzerland in May, 1982

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#137644

Choice EF.